Itani Ramen, Oakland

At Itani Ramen a different prefectural specialty makes a splash each month. That's because owner and head chef Kyle Itani takes regular pilgrimages to Japan, exploring the rich culinary culture and bringing back the flavors of the island nation through his noodle mastery.

• Veggie ramen: made with a black-bean broth, asparagus, lotus root, and bean sprouts create a dish full of complimentary flavors and mouth feels
• Shoyu ramen: scallops and shiitake fritters join fish cakes and wakame seaweed in a unique soy chicken bonita broth
• Miso pork ramen: starts with rich pork broth studded with slices of pork belly, crispy bean sprouts, and traditional seaweed sheets, known as nori